Pigs are not as dirty as many people think and these snouted animals make wonderful pets. Pigs are friendly, intelligent, and can be very obedient. However, pigs are also inquisitive, stubborn, and if not treated properly, can be dangerous. Domestic pigs can be freely trained or leash trained like dogs, but these animals require unique care. Therefore, you must prepare yourself. Whether you choose to keep them indoors or outdoors, take the time to provide them with proper care. That way, you will make true friends for many years.
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Method 1 of 3: Keeping Pigs Healthy and Happy
Step 1. Adopt or buy a pig from a reputable breeder
Piglets you buy from a pet store or farm may look adorable, but they can be unhealthy and antisocial and can be a nightmare for you. Visit the pig breeding grounds and ask the staff to show you the parents (father and mother) of the piglets you want to buy so you can assess their temperament and anticipate how the chicks will behave.
Vietnamese potbellied pigs tend to be more suitable for pets indoors, while kunekune pigs are usually better suited outdoors. Regardless of the breed of pig you choose, evaluate whether the piglets (and their parents, if possible) appear calm and comfortable around humans
Step 2. Spend a fair amount of time with your pet pig (or several pigs)
Pigs are social animals. So you should spend time interacting with him so he doesn't become moody and antisocial. You also need to assert yourself as a leader. Otherwise, the pig will be spoiled, harassed, and possibly aggressive. However, being a leader does not mean being a tyrant. You have to be assertive and assertive, but also show concern.
- If you can't spend time with your pigs on a regular basis, consider raising more than one pig. That way, the pig will have friends and will not feel lonely.
- Pigs can't build closeness with humans as fast as dogs. Make sure you take a few hours each day for the first few weeks to meet all of his needs and give him attention. This will make the pig feel more comfortable with you and establish you as a caretaker and leader.
Step 3. Keep that dodgy, curious pig busy
Pig intelligence is well known. Once he learns to do something (pull the rug, open the gate, etc.), he won't forget. So you have to be smarter than him. Pigs can also be cunning, but not like a child who tries to manipulate you to get what they want.
- It is important to keep the pig busy and stimulated. Otherwise, the pig will behave destructively when bored.
- Pigs love to play, whether they are kept indoors or outdoors. So, provide lots of toys so the pigs can push or play with them.
- Give your toddler a toy dog or toy, or a soccer ball or even an empty bucket for him to push. Hiding food in boxes, balls, toys, buckets, or other containers will keep the pigs busy. You can also prepare gym equipment and jolly balls, or food sacks or newspapers as toys.
Step 4. Show affection for your pet pig
Pigs, like most animals, enjoy interacting with their human companions, and it's not a strange sight to have a pig lying on its back asking to be tickled. Talk to the pig, tell him you love him, and praise his good behavior.
- As with most pets, affirming positive behavior is far better than punishing negative behavior. Punished pigs can be moody, withdrawn, and destructive.
- Reward good behavior right away with a pat on the head and a “smart pig!” and/or give small gifts such as unsalted popcorn or a small piece of apple. Ignore the pig (hide attention) when it shows bad behavior.
Step 5. Give the pig space and time to exercise regularly and scavenge for food (rooting)
Whether you keep your pigs indoors or outdoors, make sure you give them space and opportunities to move around. Without regular physical activity, pigs can easily become obese and develop foot problems and other health problems.
Scavenging for food is a pig's natural instinct; the best option is to give him a plot of land in the garden (about 36 m²) so that he can dig around as he pleases
Step 6. Take your pig for a walk as part of his training routine
You can train your pigs on a leash so they can go for walks together. Use a harness designed for pigs, then let him drag him around for the first few sessions and let him guide you on the walk. For the duration, leave it to him too.
- Over time, most pigs will get used to the leash, but some will not. Give him time, but don't push him if he refuses.
- Pigs need a large portion of exercise so as not to be constipated. If your pig refuses to put on a leash, make sure it stays active by giving it plenty of playtime and a safe place to run.
Step 7. Provide the right food and fresh water that never runs out
Pigs are known to eat everything, but the healthiest option is to adopt a fairly balanced diet. Provide low-protein, low-fat, high-fiber commercial feed as the main food and additional foods in the form of fruits and vegetables such as cucumbers, lettuce, pumpkin, carrots, apples, and grapes. For more fiber, add alfalfa bran or hay. Avoid fresh foods like oranges, pineapples, peppers, and onions and don't give them salty or fatty foods.
- The amount of food will vary, depending on the size of the pig and other factors. Seek advice from a veterinarian.
- Pigs should also be able to get clean water at all times.
Step 8. Don't underestimate the commitments you have made
Pigs can live up to 20 years and require plenty of food, regular vaccinations, and constant hoof and fang trim work, in addition to cost and time. For most pig owners, this hard work pays off with the friendship and love that the pigs provide, but you should still consider it.
- Ask questions like: What will my life be like in the next 5 (or 15 years)? If I move, is it possible that I can take him with me? Can I find someone to take care of him if I can't? Do I have the budget for constant pig care?
- The cost of caring for pigs roughly ranges from Rp. 200,000-Rp. 700,000 per month, not including the cost of routine vaccinations every year.
Method 2 of 3: Keeping Pigs at Home
Step 1. Provide a special area outside the house where the pigs can scavenge for food
Indoor pigs may scavenge for food in the house; flipping carpets, rolling things over, and so on. So, it would be better if you give him a place to dig in the dirt outside the house. Choose an area in your garden that is okay with you if it has lots of holes and excavated soil.
- Each pig should have about 36 m² or open space outside the house to roam. The more area you provide, the better.
- Keep an eye on the domesticated pigs while they are scavenging the ground, and make sure there is a strong fence around them.
- If you're worried that the pig will break something it rolls over, try moving the item across the table. For example, you may have to move the recycle bin. Try putting it on the kitchen counter or buy one where it's heavier and impossible to roll over by the pigs.
Step 2. Give a special room for pigs
Even if you allow pigs to roam throughout the house, it's a good idea to allocate a small space or area as a pig's "base". You can choose a partial kitchen area, laundry room, or utility room, especially if that room has floors that are easy to clean with washable rugs. Place bedding, food and water, and a toilet box in this area.
Ideally, you can limit pigs in this area, for example with a door or baby fence if needed
Step 3. Prepare the toilet box and defecation procedure
Most pigs are fairly easy to practice with bowel movements, but often they prefer to have a dedicated area, either indoors or outdoors. Inside the house, an open box lined with several sheets of newspaper is sufficient as a toilet box. You can place the toilet box near the cistern, but away from the bed.
- It is better to train pigs to defecate, both indoors and outdoors at the same time. You should rely on positive affirmation by rewarding good behavior, rather than punishing the "accident" that occurs.
- This process is similar to potty training for puppies. It takes time and patience to do it. So try to stay positive and keep the training sessions fun.
Step 4. Create a comfortable sleeping area
For some pigs, a dog bed of the right size can be a good choice. Others have no problem with piles of blankets. In fact, an inexpensive sleeping bag placed on the floor can be a comfortable bed.
Some pigs may prefer an enclosed place to sleep. You can use a dog kennel large enough for the pigs to move freely or spread a blanket over a folding table and place it over its sleeping area
Step 5. Make sure your home is safe for pet pigs
If you've ever designed a child-friendly home, you'll have a pretty good idea of what needs to be done to make your home pig safe. Remove dangerous products or sharp/chipable objects from floors or low shelves. Don't forget to lock the low cabinets with a child-safe locking system.
- Pigs also have problems with slippery floors. So, buy a floor rug that is cheap and easy to clean.
- Pigs love food and are very smart, and that means they can quickly learn how to open the refrigerator, pantry, or cupboard to find food. You should also make this area child-friendly, and make sure everything is securely enclosed.
Method 3 of 3: Keeping Pigs Outdoors
Step 1. Prepare an area of the right size and surrounded by a fence
Pigs are intelligent, resourceful, strong and persistent animals. All of these qualities make him a master at breaking free. It can dig under fences, gnaw at them, or knock down fences that aren't strong enough, and is known for finding ways to open door latch. Install a strong fence, such as a wire fence planted in the ground, to prevent pigs from digging under it. However, even if you have a good fence installed, be sure to check it regularly.
Each pig must have at least 36 m² of space to move around. Add about 50 m² each time you add one new pig
Step 2. Let the pig wallow in the mud
Basically, pigs are not dirty animals, but occasionally they like to roll around in the mud. Pigs don't sweat. Therefore, he needs to wallow in the mud in order to properly regulate his body temperature, especially in hot weather. Wallows can be very simple; dug a hole in an area of the garden that is watered several times a day, or allocate a certain area and delimit it with wood or other material.
- You can also use the kiddie pool and fill it with water so the pigs can cool off and play in the water. You can provide both, depending on how hot the climate is in your area.
- Pigs that are kept indoors are also happy if they can occasionally play in the puddles. You only need to hose it down when it's done.
- For best results, especially in hot weather, build the wallow in a shady location.
Step 3. Provide shelter with a good temperature range
Make sure pigs raised outdoors have a dry and protected place to sleep. You can create a partially covered area so the pigs can shelter from the sun and rain. The place should also have good air circulation, but not be too windy. Make a "floor" as well, such as straw so the piglets can hide in it, while adult pigs are usually quite content with wood shavings (not salaried powder).
- You can buy or build a shelter for pigs yourself (look for instructions online). Shelters are at least 2x2 meters in size for each adult pig that is accommodated there.
- Pigs will grow healthy at temperatures between 12-26 °C. Provide an additional heating system (using a commercial pet heater) or even cooling (using a safe fan) if necessary.
Tips
- Teach pigs to respond when named and given simple commands. Commands like “no” and “exit” can be learned easily by many pigs.
- Keep in mind that pigs will have a hard time lifting their heads because of the structure of their necks. So keep this in mind if you expect the pig to see something.
- Make sure the pigs don't feel bored throughout the day, especially if you're not home. Provide something to cheer him up and take good care of him.
- Provide enough space for the piglets to roam freely. Accompany the pig as often as possible during the day.
Warning
- Like any other animal, a pig that is not properly cared for can be dangerous, especially if it is abused or abused.
- Do not start a care routine for piglets that is impossible to continue for adult pigs. It would be difficult for him to understand why things had to change.
- It is highly recommended to keep more than one pig. Some people cannot always accompany their pets and loneliness is a cruel fate for a pig.
- Check local regulations to make sure it's legal to raise pigs in your area.
- Piglets are charming little animals, but adult pigs can be quite large. If not handled properly, pigs can be aggressive, even dangerous.
- Pig skin can burn in the sun. So, apply sunscreen on his back. Think about this: if you need sunscreen when you're out in the sun that long, pigs need it too. If you can't reapply sunscreen on the pig's back, create a shade over the mud puddle, a kind of cage.
- Keep in mind that sows can easily produce piglets when they are in their teens. Make sure you keep two pigs of the same sex or a male that has been sterilized.
- Check local regulations to make sure you are allowed to keep pigs in your neighborhood.
- Be careful when hand-feeding pigs, even very trained pigs. Pigs are voracious animals, even tame pigs have been reported to bite their fingers when fed.
